Modifying a PCX, placing two wheels on the back, tricycle style?

[thailand49]

In Pattaya area,  years ago I noticed a number of shops one down on Theppasit another on Sukhumvit near Pattaya Klang that modify scooters rear axle to two wheels, fender etc.. when I look now they are gone!   Anyone can help as to locations of shop who does such modification.

 

Second,  are they legal and can one still register the scooter normally year?

 

Thanks.

[johng]

48 minutes ago, thailand49 said:

Second,  are they legal and can one still register the scooter normally year?

I have a suspicion the reason you don't see them any more is exactly because they are not legal.

You might want to look for a Yamaha Tricity   that is totally legal.

 

I hear but don't know for sure  that you could buy a brand new bike never registered  and have it converted to 3 wheels and then go to the DLT  to have it inspected etc registered in the green book as a 3 wheeler..same as for a sidecar must be a new unregistered bike....have never done that or know anyone done that  but it seems a possibility ?

 

P.S  you don't "register" the bike every year   you just have to pay tax,insurance and after 5 years get a road worthiness  inspection.

[papa al]

The shop on Theppasit moved to

Add stop

Khon Kaen.

The conversion is legal under some circumstances,

Like medical waiver.

maybe other.

[moose7117]

there is a company in HUA HIN called ozimoto.

 

https://ozimoto.com

 

they do very nice scooter conversions

 

[thailand49]

Thanks for the replies,  I see many Farangs nicely done conversion looks like if they have brought them new which when I google there are many but I've not seen them sold here in Pattaya. 

I never did but next time I see a person will stop and ask them that seem to be the best way. 

 

I also google saw a advertising sign Ozimoto but there isn't one in Pattaya as far as I know.

 

As for legal or not, I believe the shop in Theppasit moved due to losing the location since the Go Cart opened up at that location.

 

Behind the Big C, on Klang, lives a community of handicap Father Ray foundation that member possess modified scooter. I'm not too concern whether they are legal or not they are a reality here like sidecart which I had one, can't register unless you take the cart off which I did when I owned one. 

 

 

[SAFETY FIRST]

20 hours ago, thailand49 said:

Second,  are they legal and can one still register the scooter normally year?

Not legal, it's been modified 

 

5th year of registration you can't get a roadworthy, unable to tax it anymore 

[thailand49]

4 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Not legal, it's been modified 

 

5th year of registration you can't get a roadworthy, unable to tax it anymore 

Reading it wrong?  

 

Not legal if modified,  so why it can be register for first 5 years before it becomes not roadworthy?

 

I would like to do the right thing but Thailand being Thailand and Pattaya being Pattaya?

 

I have a 13 year old PCX 150, it has well maintained and kept up with me a number of times taking all the panels off and repainting the bike myself the KM range over 150,000.  As the bike has gotten older so have I, although I have a number of vehicles I've found riding around in a scooter is by far less stressful when dealing with the self created traffic bottlenecks in town. 

 

But as the bike gotten older so have I, regardless of my training I'm thinking of modifying the bike for my own safety so that being the priority here in Pattaya, slim and none check points and once owning a sidecart for year which I thought was great if I can find a shop and have it done right I will do regardless if it is legal or not. If I can register it great if not I'm not losing sleep over it.

 

Cost might also be a factor I've also been checking out the larger electric one's selling with longer charging range 3 and 4 wheels, even the ones that look like cars although I'm fit and alert family is starting to question the safety of me coming and going all over Pattaya on the scooter?

 

 

[SAFETY FIRST]

10 minutes ago, thailand49 said:

Not legal if modified,  so why it can be register for first 5 years before it becomes not roadworthy?

 

family is starting to question the safety of me coming and going all over Pattaya on the scooter?

It's registered before being modified 

 

If you get pulled over after its been modified at a police checkpoint the police will fine you 

 

I live in Pattaya, I'll ask around, find someone who will modify your pcx150. Probably your best option but still illegal 

 

I didn't know the guy opposite Ratanakorn market was no longer there. 

 

Yes, I reckon those Chinese electric scooters things are dangerous and unreliable, I'd never travel any distance on one 

 

 

 

[piston broke]

Thai law doesn't allow any modifications to any vehicle once it has left the factory ...

 

However if you can get a Thai doctor to give you a disabled certificate stating you can only drive a 3 wheel scooter, then you can get your vehicle legally modified and can legally drive it on the roads, and when it's 5 years old, accompanied by the doctor's certificate, it can pass a DOT test and so can be then taxed ...

 

Hope this helps ....

 

 

[SAFETY FIRST]

5 hours ago, piston broke said:

Thai law doesn't allow any modifications to any vehicle once it has left the factory ...

 

However if you can get a Thai doctor to give you a disabled certificate stating you can only drive a 3 wheel scooter, then you can get your vehicle legally modified and can legally drive it on the roads, and when it's 5 years old, accompanied by the doctor's certificate, it can pass a DOT test and so can be then taxed ...

 

Hope this helps ....

 

 

Wow, didn't know this, if true good option for the OP 👍

 

[thailand49]

17 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

It's registered before being modified 

 

If you get pulled over after its been modified at a police checkpoint the police will fine you 

 

I live in Pattaya, I'll ask around, find someone who will modify your pcx150. Probably your best option but still illegal 

 

I didn't know the guy opposite Ratanakorn market was no longer there. 

 

Yes, I reckon those Chinese electric scooters things are dangerous and unreliable, I'd never travel any distance on one 

 

 

 

I appreciate the time to respond!   

 

I didn't mention anything about Ratanakorn market, not sure where that is?  

 

I had a sidecart for five years obtained from my Thai son friend I thought it was great to do handyman stuff in the local area.  Looking like a Thai within the five I never got stopped, today it would be like 1% chance on the Darkside one would even if they are making a stink about helmets today. 

 

I also obtained a electric two wheel scooter sold to me for 500 baht, but I wouldn't use it for nights, lights are very limited which is my concern. The larger 3 or 4 wheels all seem to be limited for nights and I don't think they are even legal, I don't see any of them with plates.

 

Reason if I can find a shop price is right I rather convert my PCX to a 3 wheel, I would go as far as getting a handicap sign placed on it, put a box in the back. Sometime ago, I saw a guy in immigration pull up in one really nicely done, with lights front and back extra, he had a box, custom holders from his two arm canes.

 

If it goes unregister, I'm not too concern especially with police. 

[thailand49]

13 hours ago, piston broke said:

Thai law doesn't allow any modifications to any vehicle once it has left the factory ...

 

However if you can get a Thai doctor to give you a disabled certificate stating you can only drive a 3 wheel scooter, then you can get your vehicle legally modified and can legally drive it on the roads, and when it's 5 years old, accompanied by the doctor's certificate, it can pass a DOT test and so can be then taxed ...

 

Hope this helps ....

 

 

Thanks, greatly appreciated, I surely can get one at BPH, from my regular Doctor.  Now next step find that shop.

[HappyExpat57]

If you want a 3-wheeler, why not just buy one rather than having a 2-wheeler modified?

[jvs]

There are some for sale on Facebook and i also saw kits to modify.

[simon43]

This is what I plan to buy in a few weeks to replace my rented car that I rarely use:

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/pdp-i4866947009.html

 

 

 

It's an electric pedal tricycle, meaning that you can 'contribute' to the motion of the vehicle by keeping fit and pedalling, or you can let the electric motor do all the work.

 

Top speed is about 25 km/hr and range is about 40km.  Interestingly, it uses standard lead-acid batteries, not Lithium.  I regard this as a bonus, because the replacement cost of lead-acid batteries is very cheap, no fire-risk etc and you can easily replace the existing batteries with larger-capacity ones, thereby increasing the range between charges.

 

Price is 15,900 thb, delivered to your door.

 

I think this type of vehicle needs absolutely no tax, registration etc 🙂

 

In any case, I obtained a letter from the friendly Swiss doctor in Pattaya that states that I have a balance problem (I don't), and therefore need to ride a tricycle, even when sober!!

 

Once I buy this tricycle, I'll do a review.  I'm not in Pattaya (I now live in south Thailand), but this vehicle looks excellent with its large carry basket and ability to pedal/exercise as well.

 

Also, some reviews (in Thai) from YT:

 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E57BTNDL3FM?feature=share

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfisKN4E0EQ

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mR-REoboW4

 

[Patong2021]

Think before  using an illegal vehicle. An illegal vehicle is uninsurable. You might be able to purchase an insurance policy, but there is a requirement that the vehicle be  authorized for the road. The policy would be canceled ipso facto, at inception. A foreigner who has assets in  Thailand  leaves themself open to losing those assets if responsible for a liability loss and uninsured. The use of an illegal vehicle may also void some private health insurance policies. And if anything goes wrong and the vehicle is liable for damage or injury to a third party, there can be legal ramifications.

[SAFETY FIRST]

38 minutes ago, thailand49 said:

didn't mention anything about Ratanakorn market, not sure where that is?  

The guy doing the 3 wheel conversion was/is located opposite Ratanakorn market (next to the Colosseum).

[thailand49]

4 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

The guy doing the 3 wheel conversion was/is located opposite Ratanakorn market (next to the Colosseum).

Thanks I will do a double take but that was the shop I seen for years but when go cart move into the spot it is gone maybe new location is close by.

[thailand49]

4 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

Think before  using an illegal vehicle. An illegal vehicle is uninsurable. You might be able to purchase an insurance policy, but there is a requirement that the vehicle be  authorized for the road. The policy would be canceled ipso facto, at inception. A foreigner who has assets in  Thailand  leaves themself open to losing those assets if responsible for a liability loss and uninsured. The use of an illegal vehicle may also void some private health insurance policies. And if anything goes wrong and the vehicle is liable for damage or injury to a third party, there can be legal ramifications.

Thanks

[SAFETY FIRST]

Just now, thailand49 said:

Thanks I will do a double take but that was the shop I seen for years but when go cart move into the spot it is gone maybe new location is close by.

Yes, same side, was Further down the road, before soi 17

[thailand49]

4 hours ago, simon43 said:

This is what I plan to buy in a few weeks to replace my rented car that I rarely use:

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/pdp-i4866947009.html

 

 

 

It's an electric pedal tricycle, meaning that you can 'contribute' to the motion of the vehicle by keeping fit and pedalling, or you can let the electric motor do all the work.

 

Top speed is about 25 km/hr and range is about 40km.  Interestingly, it uses standard lead-acid batteries, not Lithium.  I regard this as a bonus, because the replacement cost of lead-acid batteries is very cheap, no fire-risk etc and you can easily replace the existing batteries with larger-capacity ones, thereby increasing the range between charges.

 

Price is 15,900 thb, delivered to your door.

 

I think this type of vehicle needs absolutely no tax, registration etc 🙂

 

In any case, I obtained a letter from the friendly Swiss doctor in Pattaya that states that I have a balance problem (I don't), and therefore need to ride a tricycle, even when sober!!

 

Once I buy this tricycle, I'll do a review.  I'm not in Pattaya (I now live in south Thailand), but this vehicle looks excellent with its large carry basket and ability to pedal/exercise as well.

 

Also, some reviews (in Thai) from YT:

 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E57BTNDL3FM?feature=share

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfisKN4E0EQ

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mR-REoboW4

 

Thanks I not there yet but my Thai wife is interested. 

[Bruce Aussie]

On 6/7/2025 at 3:13 PM, thailand49 said:

In Pattaya area,  years ago I noticed a number of shops one down on Theppasit another on Sukhumvit near Pattaya Klang that modify scooters rear axle to two wheels, fender etc.. when I look now they are gone!   Anyone can help as to locations of shop who does such modification.

 

Second,  are they legal and can one still register the scooter normally year?

 

Thanks.

 

[Bruce Aussie]

Why would that be a problem. They register pickups with wheel sticking out 100mm outside the mudguards.  Blue erratic flashing brake or indicator lights ECT ECT. Sure we could add another 1,000 to the list. Along as the police patrols don't catch you. Police patrols 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Love Thailand us old farangs will never get into trouble like back home. 

We can do anything if we wanted. Get high and get drunk and do all the things police stopped us doing when young.

Not really I still get my non drinking wife to drive me home from the parties 

 

[Ralf001]

4 minutes ago, Bruce Aussie said:

Why would that be a problem. They register pickups with wheel sticking out 100mm outside the mudguards.

 

 

They do not register them with wide wheels, thats complete and utter BS.

 

 

[Kasset Tak]

Any modifications makes the motorcycle illegal unless you have a doctors note. 

That includes making it a trike, add a sidecar and everything else, so unless you live in a rural area it might be a hassle...

Personally I live rurally and have an old trike that is a home made conversation... I don't drive fast, it has working breaks and lights, and it's not noisy, so the police still let's me go without a hassle. However, I was  thinking about buying an ATV instead... and the same police office who let me drive my totally illegal motorcycle told me that if I get an ATV, then he would have to fine me... because even though my motorcycle is 1,000% illegal, it is still considered a motorcycle.

And again, if you get a doctors certificate, then you are supposed to be able to register an ATV for road use too. Or you can get it classified as farm equipment and drive it the same way as they do with the home made trucks and other unregistered "farm equipment"...

[thailand49]

2 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

 

They do not register them with wide wheels, thats complete and utter BS.

 

 

Not always, a friend once went to one shop in Pattaya, was told exactly can't it was barely sticking out when I looked at it.  It also happen this same shop recommended go across and get new rims.

When he told me after coffee drove to another shop no problem and no problems ever since.

[Aussie999]

On 6/9/2025 at 10:57 AM, HappyExpat57 said:

If you want a 3-wheeler, why not just buy one rather than having a 2-wheeler modified?

Probably doesn't want the cost of a new one.

[HappyExpat57]

32 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

Probably doesn't want the cost of a new one.

Sounds penny wise pound foolish.

[snowgard]

It's legal but must be registered!!!

More informations frm DLT in Thai: https://legal.dlt.go.th/index.php?content=show&mode=article&id=175.html

[snowgard]

I don't know why, but I can't add a link.